Drama Ensemble Tips

Tips for teachers and students of senior drama when working with ensembles.

The logical sequence of events in chronological order is:

1. task distribution
2. group creation
3. brainstorming
4. researching
5. scripting and/or improvising
6. rehearsing
7. editing
8. refining
9. performing
10. evaluating

Note: there will naturally be some overlap, as these steps are difficult to undertake in isolation.

Advice:

• allow more time than you think you will need for performance creation with ensemble works
• allow for adequate brainstorming and research at the beginning of the task
• too much research will result in inadequate rehearsal time
• too little research will result in superficial performances that do not adequately address the topic/theme
• group creation should not be based on friendships, but rather on working relationships and common interests
• small groups can be very successful because they tend to be more efficient than large groups
• small groups can also be lost for ideas due to the lack of suggestions in the brainstorming and creation phases
• large groups can often be very successful due to the amount of creative ideas within the group
• large groups can also be inefficient, take too long to produce material
• ideal sized groups are often 4-5 students
• aim to finish all rehearsals at least one week prior to performance, allowing for refining of work
• editing material along the way is much better than cutting slabs of dialogue and action at the last-minute
• a good ensemble group is dedicated, organised, efficient, innovative, creative, takes risks, thinks outside the box
• poor ensemble groups are often hampered by laziness, tardiness, a lack of attention to detail, disorganisation, attendance issues
• be prepared to put in the extra time in order to achieve greatness, eg. before school, after school, or weekend rehearsals
• research does not just equal the Internet – there are libraries with printed books out there, too!
• smart groups distribute tasks amongst ensemble members according to the skills and abilities of individuals
• if consistency can be achieved, it is quicker to create scenes or script material simultaneously in different locations
• leave line-learning for homework between classes, as it is a waste of valuable time learning lines at school
• the teacher is the best resource in the room, so don’t be afraid of regularly asking questions